× Into the storm [Arngeir]

After the little scout they had it became clear that this village didn’t have to much defences. So it would be easy to penetrate and they wouldn’t be spotted till they actually were close bye or even in the village and by then it would already be too late. Because they would have the advantage of the surprise. That and the way one of the brothers has come up with a solid plan. A very nice constructed one of attacking the village from two sides. What would make the surprise even bigger and of course the chaos. Especially if one group came a bit later than the other. But he did not have a say in it. It was Ivar’s plan and the brothers and all of them would follow it. He was a smart one, high intelligence for sure and he might prove just how good he was in combat and strategy today. Just like his love would be able to prove herself in how good she had become. He looked at Sassa from the corner of his eye. Happy to be able to stay by her side today. After all he did want to see what she was capable of in a real battle. He had fought her enough to know she was able to take care of herself. But still being in a training and being in a real fight were two different things and then taking someone’s life was another.

And even if she was skilled enough to take care of herself, you never knew when a more skilled warrior came up. And then he would be right there to make sure that one got out of her way. Though he did not expect too much from this village. After all… no defences. Didn’t look to promising, seemed like this would be an easy pick and an easy raid. So how much stuff could really go wrong? Still he would not underestimate anyone. That were his thoughts as the group walked closer and closer. Just coming to a stop to look at the possible ways to go. Discussing it, before charging forward.

As always a second started to slow down as the men called out and started to run towards the village. Running through the streets screaming in anger or excitement. Weapons ready. Mud from the ground flying up from their heavy steps as their screams started to mix with those of the inhabitants of the village. Screams of horror as woman and children started to run. Others taking up some kind of defence and charging back at them. But the stream of wild Vikings seemed to just bush through every little fly that came at them. Though not soon after they seemed to have gotten to the market place. More men came towards them. Armed men and once who weren’t as easy to just push aside. The battle seemed to have truly started to take it place. His eyes moved to Sassa as she was still close by his side. He watched as she defended herself, and made her first kill. It was a strange feeling he got. Somewhere feeling proud of what she had done. But he did not have much time to think about that and soon his focus moved back to the battle.

And just as the second had lasted a life time, suddenly everything seemed to move faster than ever. Averting his eyes away from his love he looked at a man charging towards him with an axe. It cut through the air towards him from his left side. Tough his reflexes were quick and he blocked the attack with his own ask. Only to then take out his dagger and slam it through the man his eyes. Hearing him scream. The blood running over his dagger into his hand as he slit it deeper into the man his skull. To then brutally pull it back and slam the bode to the ground with his axe. Turning around to face another opponent. A big heavy guy who charged right at him with a big hammer. He had to bring his axe up to his chest as there was not much time to do much else. Finding himself incapable to avoid the charge he had to take the hit. The force of the blow made sure to push the air out of his lungs and he could feel himself slide back in the mud. But that moment did give him time to take a quick look at his love. She was still safe. ‘Good.’ He thought as he felt the force move from him. The man moving up his hammer. Only to bring it back down in a fast manner. But quick enough Argneir turned on his feet. Getting behind the man and slamming his own axe down in the man’s head. Again an efficient kill. Blood splat up into his face.

That only drove his excitement and as the battle seemed to rage down he took opponent after opponent. The weak ones went quickly, the tough ones went as well. Before he knew it he had already made his sixth kill. He took a breath as he blocked another attack. Staring in his opponent eyes he smirked. This one was putting up quite the fight. Stepping back a bit he avoided the quick attacks and blocked some. Soon having a pause as his and his opponent weapon locked. Pushing closer to each other. It was then he heard his love’s voice. ”I love you.” He could hear it clear and loud even in this destruction. A smile creeped on his lips as he locked eyes with her. "So fucking much." He let out a chuckle and at ones as if her words had giving him a power boost. He stepped back from the man and slit his throat with a quick blow. Watching the blood run out into the ground, before the body fell. He turned around and moved closer to Sassa. Warping an arm around her waist and pulling her closer. ”I will try to remember it.” He said a bit teasingly but in fact he would never forget it. It was the first time she said it to him and it really felt like she just had breathed new life into him. Even in this place, time,… somewhere you did not expect it. It… no it had more effect because it was here and now. He looked in her eyes and gave her a quick but passionate kiss. To then look up and move her behind her blocking an attack from an farmer it seemed. Now standing with his back against her. He pushed the man back. Into some other people from their group, giving them the pleasure of taking him on. As he flipped his axe in the air and looked back at her, giving her a soft smile. ”I love you too.”

He couldn’t help the amused feeling falling over him. He had to admit that he had worried about his love at first. After all it was her first raid and it could be dangerous and he did not want to see her get hurt. He would rage out if she got hurt. But then she was doing fine on her own and he was close by to protect her. But he was also amused at her comment of him trying to remember it. He really had the feeling Sassa grew bolder by the day and he couldn’t say he didn’t like it. After all she was able to say what she wanted to say, what she thought and he believed everyone needed to be able to do that. What was life worth otherwise if you even could spill what you wanted to say? He really saw her grow every day in the person he believed she truly was and with every passing day he also thought she grew more and more beautiful. Especially now with blood over her, a wild and jet loving look in her eyes as the scene around them was just true terror for most. Terror and excitement.

The moment his love repeated his words to him he gave her a little nudge. How mean she could be. To play with him like that. But then he did believe he deserved that one. After all he had teased her first. So it was normal that he got a payback for it now. He stared at her smirking face. Oh he kind of wanted to pay her back for that look. Make sure he could be the one smirking like that. And he would if they weren’t in the middle of a battle field. He would make sure that her cheeks would burn a bright red and that she might even become a little bit shy again. But! As she spoke again he realised that maybe he wouldn’t see the shy Sassa again. "Keep that in mind later when we are done here, save some energy for me" She said before grabbing his ass as she then turned to get into the fighting again. A laugh came out his mouth as he flipped his axe a bit in an happy and amused mood. Well seemed she had just make sure he had energy for a thousand. And he would always have energy for her. Especially when she was going to reward him for it.

He turned to a man that attacked him blocking his attack and getting in his face. ”Here that? I’m going to get laid tonight.” He smirk smiled a bit. That meant he couldn’t afford to lose one battle. The man seemed a bit confused at his words and was therefore really easy to take down. A fast push back and a sweep of his axe and his face was split in half. He couldn’t help that he felt as if he just had started the battle. New life had been blown into him. Sassa really knew how to motivate a man didn’t she. Though she probably didn’t even notice it. But he did and he was going to make sure he came back to her in one piece tonight. If this raid was a success they would have a real feast and he was looking forward to it. Though he soon enough moved his attention back to the fighting. The enemies seemed to get cut down like trees. And they were starting to flee leaving most of their own in the streets. It was then that he looked upon Sassa as she spoke. "Come on, let’s go deeper into the market." He gave her a nod and a grin. As he then followed behind her in a light jog. Making sure they weren’t attacked in this moment.

The market seemed as a promising place especially now that the groups were more divided. It wasn’t one group of people. People were everywhere and most didn’t seem to notice one another. Doing each there own thing. A lot of villagers were running for their lives and it seemed as if this would be a smooth victory. He moved closer to Sassa as he let his eyes go over the market place. Narrowing his eyes a bit at a few people seeming to run in one street. Some of their own following them. And soon enough the grunts and shouting’s came out. He recognised those sounds. Whoever was coming closer into the market placer weren’t just farmers or normal villagers. Those sounds came from worriers and to the sound of it, they were well skilled. His first intention would be to look it out. After all the market was starting to run empty as their worries were hunting down those who were running away. There was nothing much for them to do here, he would if he was alone. The narrow street would give some advantage as well if he used it well. But he had his love he needed to protect. ”Let’s go.” He said to her. It sounded like a large group and he personally didn’t want to get involved in that if they were just with this small group here. He rather move back closer to where more of their own had run of too.

Moving once again away from the market and into another street he looked back at his love. So far she had been doing fabulous in this raid. A real shield maiden if he could say so. Even though she hadn’t earned the name officially jet. She sure had the spirit of one and teasing him. Well teasing about what would come after the raid was something he was looking forward to. So he did hope both of them could get out of this one without too much injuries. Of course some cuts here and there were normal as long as they were not fatal he would be thankful to the gods. Especially for his love as of course he knew he could stand her own but still was somewhere worried about her. After all he did not want to see her get hurt and he was here if she needed to be protected. He looked back at her and saw how her gaze laid on a dead child. He frowned for a second as he himself would never harm a child, not even in a raid. Because he believed that children were still innocent and had the right to grow up. Even had the right to one day maybe seek revenge on the murders of their parents. But not everyone saw it that way. He could see how she seemed to be thrown off by it. And of course as soon as she called out he moved towards her, following into her footsteps till he was right behind her. Not only because he knew that the chock might be getting to her now, as it was her first raid. But also because he felt that the air around them seemed to be changing.

Just an unsettling feeling he had, as if something was about to happen. Though he tried to throw it off. What bad thing could happen to them in this village? After all they were just farmers… He groaned a bit and looked back slightly, as the fighting was raging on it might be time to set off by themselves to see what they could find of treasure. He looked back to his love when she told him to lead the way and he gave her a smile. He moved besides her as soon he was in front of her and listened to her words. "I trust you with my life, so you are in charge." It made him stop for a second and turn to her. He looked into her eyes and soon had a hand on the back of her head as he pulled her closer and gave her a quick kiss on the forehead. Before he turned around and started to walk again, into one of the side streets. He did want to show her that raiding was more than just killing so he would go into a few houses and they could see what they would find and here in the side streets not many people were present so they would be able to look around till their hearts were full of it. "The faster we end this, the sooner I am yours again however." He laughed as he then quickly blocked an attack of a guy who had been hiding himself around the corner. Knowing he was now no longer safe it seemed he wanted to at least defend himself. However he made quick work of it and drove his sword through his chest. Killing him immediately.

He looked down at the man and whipped of his sword on the man clothes as he then mentioned with a nod to Sassa to follow. As he soon kicked down a door of one of the houses. He moved inside having a defensive stance to see if anyone was in here. But it seemed the people who had been living here had already left. Or they were hiding. With quick steps but silent once he moved further into the house. At first it seemed like a normal one. But even normal houses could hold treasures. After making sure no one was inside he started to look through it. Pulling down curtains and even breaking down some cabinets or opening up some planks laying down on the ground. He was sure it was clear to Sassa he was looking for something useful, something valuable. And as soon as he went into the bedroom some other thoughts went through his mind. But he shook it off, even though it would be really fun to do it here and now. So exciting. He knew he would have to wait and a box standing behind the bed seemed to promise some jewels at the very least. Maybe there would be something in it that fit Sassa. He was about to open it as soon he could hear voices. Not just a few but it sounded like a big group and… it didn’t sound like they were on their side. With narrowed eyes he moved to the window, looking carefully as he saw a group of ‘warriors’ coming up. ‘Shit.’ Was the only thing he could think as he turned and went back to where Sassa was. Without a word he grabbed her arm and pulled her closer. ”I need you to hide.” His gaze was tense and serious. His words had been harsh but, he had seen that group it was not a small one and the men did not look like just farmers. At least there were some that could fight and could fight well. It was just him and her and he feared that if they found them… Well it wouldn’t be an easy fight and he wasn’t sure if they would come out alright. So now his mind went from the warrior to the ‘husband’ and he wanted to make sure he protected her. So he needed her to be invisible as he planned to lead the group away, lead them back to where more Vikings from Kattegat were. Were they would not have to face them alone. And as bad as it sounded in his mind now he couldn’t do that with a Thegn next to him.

He could not say with how much they would be, but listening to the sound they made he guessed it was quite a group that had packed together. Smart of course, in group and sticking together made you stronger than being on your own. This place had been so chaotic that most men even didn’t think of sticking together making the fighting fierce but better on their side. But it seemed their enemies had seen the light, or at least someone had been smart enough to actually form a group. His eyes stood hard as he watched Sassa, he could not risk her getting involved in such a fight jet. She was skilled but he feared that this was still a pitch above her level and even if he was sorry to say it he would not risk a fight either. A group against two of them well that could turn out badly. Especially because they could corner them. They also had the advantage because they knew this place better then well them both. So a surprise could be quick to follow. He also could see in his loves eyes that his words had not come nicely to her. Asking what he meant that she had to hide. His gaze was hard and stern. This was not a place to fight among themselves and there was little time to start one all in all. But he needed to make sure that at least she would be safe even if it meant that he had to sacrifice himself, he would do so. For as far as it went in his mind he knew the gods would protect her and keep her safe. That she had the right to live a long and wealthy life. Unlike him who had done so much wrong in his life already.

Either way he did not want her to get hurt and if he had to be truthful his heart was beating in his chest like it never had been before. He felt like he actually had fear, fear too lose her. To see her harmed. So he did hope that he could protect her. He frowned a bit and did not answer her question knowing that his words alone had been enough. He saw the dirty look in her eyes and he could feel himself tensing up. Before he relaxed just a bit at the sweet kiss she gave him. A deep one and he returned it just as heartily as he could. Before he had to smile a bit at her words. "I'm not one bit happy with you, and you better hide too" Not one bit huh. Well he did hope she would forgive him. If his head would only think of another way he would have done it. But at this moment and with the little time they had there had been just one plan that popped up. And it was risk full enough like it was. And that plan meant that he could not hide. His gaze met hers and all he could do was give her a nod. Not wanting to let his voice wander into the ears of the men that were closing in. He watched her hide in one of the closets. He watched till the door closed and then listened. Wanting to make sure it seemed as if there was no soul here. Before he took a breath and started to walk backwards.

Now his plan would be put in action and well it was a risk but if he did it well and if he knew enough about these kind of people…. Then everything should turn out like planned. He turned around soon to the door and whispered a light sorry as he then walked out. Directly getting spotted and turning to the yelling voices. He turned around and drew his axe, as the group run towards him. The street was quite narrow and well the group seemed big. Running up to him in a high speed he stood his ground. Reflecting the first blow that came with quite a big force, making his arm move down. But he soon pulled out a dagger from his side and stabbed the men in front of him in the neck. Getting a stream of blood over him, as two other men already came up. He had time enough to avoid a fatal blow. But as he avoided one hit the other had already come, cutting through his thigh. He groaned, but could not say he was unhappy with it. Strangely he knew now that it was a good moment to pretend to retreat and so he did. He pushed one man in the other as three others were waiting behind them as a backup. He turned around quickly and started to run. A sharp pain rushing through his thigh. But the adrenaline making it feel more numb than anything else. And as thought the group followed, of course they would not let a wounded enemy escape. Especially not one that was all on his own.

So his plan to lead them away from his love had at least been a success. It was unfortunate that as he turned the corner away from the street he did not see that part of the group was going around. And it was even more unfortunately that he did not see that one of them let go of a burning torch while starting to run after him. The torch first fell on the dirty ground, meaning to blush in mud. But as it bounced lightly on the earth it rolled closer to some barrels next to the house, slowly setting them a flame. As the flames grew, they reached up to the hay on the roof. And before anyone around really was aware of it the place set ablaze. This while he ran his feet slightly sinking in the mud and his heart beating in his throat. A dark look in his eyes as his blood wash rushing. Unknown that he also was running into a trap set up before him. Little did he know about the hardship yet to come.

@Björn Ragnarsson @Thora Haraldsdóttir